Ortiz Doesn’t Expect Deal Before Arbitration Hearing

It's no secret that David Ortiz was looking for a multiyear contract this offseason, but now the long-time Red Sox DH isn't optimistic about getting one. Ortiz told reporters (including WEEI.com's Rob Bradford) at tonight's Boston BBWAA dinner that he doesn't expect the two sides to reach a deal before an arbitration hearing.

"It doesn't seem like it right now," said Ortiz when asked about a potential contract. "From a business standpoint, that's how it goes … I've been watching from the outside."

Ortiz also downplayed the arbitration process, saying "it doesn’t seem like [a big deal] to me." The 36-year-old slugger accepted arbitration last month rather than try his luck on the open market, and earlier this week he filed for a $16.5MM salary while the team countered with $12.65MM. He hit .309/.398/.554 with 29 homers while earning $12.5MM in 2011.

Earlier this offseason we learned that the Sox did offer Ortiz a two-year contract, though it was only worth $18MM. Arbitration hearings start in February, though the two sides can come to an agreement on a contract of any size before then.

I’m not even a Red Sox fan. However, when you look at what he’s done for so many years, his production has still been excellent, though he’s dropped off some in recent years. I think he deserves to win in arbitration, and I think he will win. The team has offered him a miniscule raise. I just don’t see him losing, imho.

Ortiz has nothing to lose for this year by going to arbitration. He’s
either going to get paid a gigantic amount of money, or an even more
gigantic amount of money. But, there is some potential risk in it for
him if he doesn’t settle on a two year deal. The market is moving away
from immobile no-position DH’s. Right now you still have Vlad and Mastui, etc. You can sign Pena, who can still play first base fairly well, and Damon, who can play outfield some and still can run. Thome came very cheap for Philly. None of them are as good hitters, at this stage, as Ortiz. But Boston already has a great offense, and it has some younger players who are going to need to be paid more. This time next year, Boston’s front office is going to have to decide if they want to allocate an eight figure salary to that roster slot, with all the possible luxury tax implications. The Red Sox are a very well run organization, and while I think they take sentiment into account, my guess is they won’t break the bank for it. Ortiz is a sunk cost for 2012. He’s an optional expense for 2013.

Good year for a DH. He won’t get the 16.5 trust me. No arbitrator will give him double what Vlad Guerrero got the year before with the same numbers. I hope the Sox don’t settle cuz no one on this team should get a raise after participating in last years debacle!

He wins, then had better be wearing his lucky shoes.. Taking extra tips from AGone.. Or whatever to not get off to one of those starts like he did 2 years ago, lest he find that 16.5m deal is not guaranteed… Then himself go the way of release/discard pile and forget how much.. but only a small portion of his salary.